Rob Smith has rounded up deep cuts from The Swedish Railway Orchestra's five album story and released them as Besides: B-Sides and Rarities
Album: Besides: B-Sides and Rarities
Band: The Swedish Railway Orchestra
Released: January 16 2025
The final track of The Swedish Railway Orchestra's latest release commands us You Should Ignore Me. After five studio albums, thirty one singles, a couple of remix albums and a regular DJ slot at The Workman's Club in Dublin, it should be pretty hard to dodge Rob Smith and his electronic act.
He has an unswerving and uncommercial commitment to making music which frees him up to do whatever the hell he wants. Here he unlocks his hard drive heaven and unveils a treasure trove of hidden gems with Besides: B-sides and Rarities.
Although this 15-track compilation dives deep into the archives, the quality remains high, offering listeners a rare glimpse at tracks that didn’t make the album cuts but still throb with the outfit’s unmistakable sound. It also showcases Smith's winning way with titles - can anyone compete with A Riot Van And A Rumble or Ode To Those Arrested At Music Festivals In Ireland?
The dense, dark heart of the album is The Struggle Is Real, Comrade which could be a TSRO (and Blowtorch Records) manifesto. In our tech bro dominated times, it's very pertinent to posit "Why is nobody buying art no more?"
From experimental deep cuts to groove-laden remixes, even a curious cover of The Fat White Family's 2014 single Touch The Leather, Besides showcases the evolution of TSRO’s rich sonic palette.
Perfect for late-night introspection or dancefloor nostalgia, this collection reaffirms TSRO's place as one of Ireland’s most experimental and innovative DIY electronic acts. Long live art.
Previous LP releases are still available on vinyl
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